Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko Indigenous tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien), on the wild …
My kids and I are huge cat lovers. My kids were born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan (where the world’s first cat café started!) and we’ve visited most of the cat cafés in Taipei. We’ve also been to a cat village in Taiwan, the cat temple in Tokyo, Tashirojima Cat Island in Japan, and met …
The Ollantaytambo Ruins (Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site) in Peru’s Sacred Valley is second in importance only to Machu Picchu itself. These prominent ruins overlooking Ollantaytambo townsite were the site of the only major Inca defeat of Spanish forces. Today, they are also one of the most accessible ruins around Cusco because you can walk to them …
Ollantaytambo is my favorite town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and I’m not alone. So many visitors rush through Ollantaytambo on their way to Machu Picchu, or as a part of a Sacred Valley day tour like this one, and wish they had budgeted more time for it. Personally, I fell in love with …
The Pisac ruins are some of the most important Incan ruins in Peru’s Cusco region and the Sacred Valley, along with the ruins at Ollantaytambo and more remote Huchuy Qosqo. They are a great addition to any Machu Picchu visit. I especially recommend visiting these and other Sacred Valley attractions BEFORE Machu Picchu so you …
My son and daughter were born in Taipei in 2014 and 2015. Together with my wife Emily, who is Taiwanese, we have been exploring Taipei ever since they were born (and well before that, too!) This list of things to do in Taipei with kids is based on the things we love doing in Taipei …
Wulai (烏來, Tayal language: Ulay, which means ‘hot spring’) is the largest district of New Taipei City, but only has around 6000 residents, by far the lowest population density. Officially the only “mountain indigenous district” of New Taipei City, it is home to the closest Indigenous village to Taipei City. There are many reasons to …
Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of islands in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. It is also called the Penghu Islands, Penghu Archipelago, and Pescadores Islands. Penghu County is one of Taiwan’s 13 counties and is made up of around 90 islands. Penghu is an incredibly special place. Consider this list of fun things …
Xiaoliuqiu is one of the gems of southern Taiwan. This small island off the coast of Pingtung and Kaohsiung tempts visitors with its fine beaches, coral caves, island vibes, guaranteed opportunity to see giant sea turtles, and all kinds of water-based outdoor activities. Taiwan’s “Little Okinawa” lies a mere 12.5 km (7.8 mi) off the …
Luye is a gorgeous, rural town in Taitung county, in the southeast corner of Taiwan. It is one of my favorite places to stay in Taitung county (see my Taitung guide and other things to do in Taitung). Luye is famous for the International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival, one of the most visually impressive …
